Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Shared Prosperity Fund 2020-12-16 (2)

Wednesday 16 December 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Secretary of State has regular discussions with the First Minister of Wales on the UK shared prosperity fund.
  • The UK Government has committed to match the amount of money Wales received from the European Union.
  • The shared prosperity fund will deliver the levelling-up agenda across Wales.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kevin Brennan Lab
Economy Wales
Context

The MP is asking about recent conversations between UK and Welsh officials regarding the shared prosperity fund.

Question

What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with the First Minister of Wales on the UK shared prosperity fund?

Answer from David Davies

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has regular discussions with the First Minister and Welsh Ministers on a range of issues, including the UK shared prosperity fund.

Answered
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Q2 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Economy Wales Local Government
Context

The MP is questioning the guarantees around structural funding under the shared prosperity fund.

Question

What guarantees can be provided that the shared prosperity fund will not reduce moneys received by the Welsh Government compared to current structural funding and that the Welsh Government will decide how money is allocated in Wales?

Answer from David Davies

We have already made the commitment that the amount of money will match everything that came from Europe. Previously, the European Union held the strings and controlled how the money was spent; now, it will be the UK Government working in partnership with local authorities and the Welsh Government to ensure that the money is spent wisely.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide clear guarantees about no reduction in funds or decision-making power staying with the Welsh Government.

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Q3 Kevin Brennan Lab
Economy Wales Brexit
Context

The MP is concerned that the shared prosperity fund might turn out to be an austerity measure.

Question

Will the so-called shared prosperity fund actually turn out to be a pared back austerity fund for Wales, given its track record?

Answer from David Davies

The shared prosperity fund will mean more money going into Wales, along with more powers, which will come about as a result of Brexit, going to Wales. We are looking forward to putting our Conservative record before the people of Wales in the elections next May.

Not addressed: The questioner's concern was not directly addressed; instead, the answerer shifted focus to future election outcomes and power implications.

How: Looking Forward, Elections

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Q4 Beth Winter
Wales
Context

The MP is requesting specifics on the mechanism for involving the Welsh Government and deciding funding allocations.

Question

Please explain when we will learn about the mechanism for involving the Welsh Government, who will be the final arbiter, how much money will be available, and when the process will begin?

Answer from David Davies

We have already said that discussions are ongoing, that the money will be matched, and that the shared prosperity fund will deliver our levelling-up agenda across Wales. The Labour party spent a long time saying there would not be any money and that there would not be any interest in Wales, but the reality is that we have shown that the money will be there and we want to make sure it is used properly.

Not addressed: The questioner's specific ask was not addressed; instead, historical criticisms were made against Labour party.

How: Spending A Long Time, Historical Arguments

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